‘It is very good news for New Zealand,’ O’Sullivan said.
Qantas will code-share with American Airlines which will utilise its 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft for the daily non-stop service.
‘We’ve seen a strong increase for demand from U.S. customers who need more nonstop access to New Zealand,’ American’s chairman and ceo Doug Parker said.
‘We are excited to be the first U.S. carrier to offer a truly premium experience between Los Angeles and Auckland,’ Parker, who was in the New Zealand capital of Wellington for the announcement, said.
He said consumers will benefit from the ‘friendly competition’ with Air New Zealand which has had a monopoly on the route since 2012.
